Destruction

This doesn't typically happen... but caught Ruthie's destruction of one of Jordyn's toys on camera... I promise, normally she doesn't bother with Lucy's stuff... but this ball was too inticing

hmmm... what's that Lucy's going after?


that seems like something I might like...


woops... i guess my teeth are too sharp


mommmmm... ruthie ruined my toy....

Happy Fall!

With this heat wave we've been having, I was worried I wasn't going to be able to wear my cute hoodie... fortunately it cooled off a bit today!


I even had this cute tee underneath that one of mom's old biking friends sent me (thanks Porter!)


We've also had a friend this week during the day... I really like her, she's a lot more fun than mom...

Dedication Day

This past weekend, we dedicated Lucy at Grace. It was an amazing and special thing, Ben and I were both so thankful to be surrounded by family and friends who love Lucy so much.

From before Lucy was born, Ben and I have prayed that she would have a desire to know Jesus and learn to love him with all of her heart. This weekend was a chance for us to stand in front of our church to commit to doing our best at leading her in this direction. Cindy Parkman, the pastor of childrens ministry, emphasized that it will be much more about what Ben and I DO as parents, rather than what we say, which was a good reminder for me to focus on my relationship with Christ first... and then worry about being a good mom second. It can be easy to switch up that order when I want so much for everything to be perfect for my little baby girl.

Both of our families came to the service to watch Lucy get dedicated. It was amazing to have all of our loved ones, under one roof, worshiping together (something I don't think has happened since the wedding?!?!) - Ben and I both felt humbled that our precious little angel could do so much (bringing everyone together) without even knowing it.

As a reminder to ourselves... here is what Ben and I committed to that day:
1. We acknowledge that Lucy is a gift of God's love and grace to our family
2. We intend to prepare her for a lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ
3. We commit to model a compelled life that reveals God to this world and to Lucy

A few pics from the evening:

On stage with the other families


Praying for Lucy




Celebration back at our house!


So much love for such a tiny little girl!


Foot in Mimi's pocket


Love...

Pumpkin Patch!

We took Lucy to her first pumpkin patch this weekend - complete with a hay ride, picking out a pumpkin and mom and dad got some home made apple pie and ice cream!




My first hay ride!


Picking out a pumpkin... this one looks good...


Oh wait... what about this one


Nah, I think I'll stick with this one... it's perfect for holding me up!


We always have an awesome time hanging out as a family, but this day was extra nice! The weather was perfect, Lucy was in a good mood, and we weren't rushing to be anywhere at any specific time. I really enjoy our little family...

More great pictures and great friends

We traveled out to Cincinnati to visit Katie and Brent one last time before they move to Grand Cayman. We are so excited for Katie and Brent, but will miss them a lot! Even though they live 2 hours away now, we still visit with them on a regular basis, so we'll miss getting to see them as often. Fortunately, as soon as we heard the news, we booked a trip to visit them, so it won't be long before we get to see them again - in the Caymans! But unfortunately, that might be the last time we get to see them for over a year... sad.

We spent the day hanging out, eating at La Rosa's, watching the IU/Michigan football game, and going to Katie and Brent's going away party. Katie also just got a new camera so she got a ton of great shots of Lucy... so excited to have 2 good friends who can take awesome shots of the baby.

Eating at La Rosa's


Hey... that's not ruthie...


But, I'll still let him lick my face...


Wanting to explore...


Love this picture of her eyes!


And this one too!


Lucy was a little sleepy because she didn't nap that well so we didn't get many of her smiling, but Katie still got some great shots! Can't wait for her to take some good ones in the Caymans!

Haubstadt

A few weekends ago we traveled down to visit Kristy and see her new home (I'm a bit late getting these pictures up... been extra tired as Lucy's first teeth come in). We had a wonderful time visiting with Kristy, catching up, touring around Haubstadt, eating at Indiana's oldest restaurant - The Log Inn (family style, all you can eat fried chicken and sides... let's just say it was Ben's dream come true) and visiting with Rhonda, Nate and one of Lucy's future bf's - Matt.

A few highlights from the trip:

Getting ready to head out on the town


Snuggle time with my first baby


Play date with Matt! Trying to get them both to look at the camera...


Nope, not yet...


Almost...


There we go!

6 month photoshoot

Last week, Erin came down to hang out and take some pictures of Lucy for her 6 month birthday. These are just a few of my favorites... isn't she an amazing photographer?!?